Welsh National glory the target for Fergal O’Brien and Chase The Spud

FERGAL O'BRIEN will be doing his rain dance ahead of Chase The Spud's run in Wednesday's Coral Welsh National at Chepstow. 

The nine-year-old has won his last two races, including the Midlands Grand National and a valuable chase at Haydock, and the form has stood up.

"He has a bit more weight than I'd like, but it is what it is and we're looking forward to the race," said the in-form O'Brien.

"The horse seems in great form and a bit more rain wouldn't go amiss.

"He ran in the race a couple of years ago and was pulled up, but maybe he just wasn't ready for it at that stage and he didn't have Paddy on his back. As we've seen, nobody gets on with him like Paddy does."

One horse aimed at the race for a long time is Chepstow specialist Rock The Kasbah.

He has never been out of the first two in Wales, winning three times.

"His form at Chepstow seems to be so much better than elsewhere and I've no idea why," said trainer Philip Hobbs.

"He's won his novice chase there and he won well there in October.

"He's a horse that runs best when fresh so we did think about running again after the October win, but it made sense to wait for the Welsh National. The trip doesn't worry me."

Vicente will try to add the Chepstow marathon to his back-to-back wins in the Scottish National.